It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Irene Marie Fabiola Budiselich on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the age of 99, just five weeks short of her 100th birthday. Irene was born on August 16, 1925 in Vonda, Saskatchewan, to parents Hormidus Fortunat Charland and Maria Fabiola Charland (nee Gauthier). She spent her younger years on a farm near St. Denis, Saskatchewan, along with 6 brothers and two sisters.

In 1940 Irene met the love of her life, John Budiselich, on a trip to Meadowlake, SK, but because Irene was so young they weren’t married until 1947. After their marriage they lived on a small farm at Shell Lake, SK, and then wanting to try something different, they made the move to BC in 1959. Cranbrook has been Irene’s home since then.

Irene is survived by her daughter Dianne (Dave), grandson Josh (Fairry) and granddaughter Karli, as well as her brother-in-law Wensol Budiselich and sister-in-law Mary St. Jean and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Horimdus and Fabiola Charland, brothers Wilfred, Oswald, Harvey, Harris, Leo and George, and sisters Regina Morin and Viola Moen.

Irene was baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1940. She spent many years telling people about the wonderful hope of a better future promised in the Bible. (Revelation 21:3, 4) We look forward to seeing her and all our dear friends and relatives again.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at the FW Green Home for the kind and loving care they gave Irene during her three years there.

A Zoom memorial service for Irene will be held on Saturday, July 26th. Interment will be in Westlawn Cemetery.

mcphersonfh.com